Port Dickinson Public Works Merger Likely

The village of Port Dickinson and the town of Dickinson are moving to merge their public works departments.

Village and town officials have been discussing the possible merger and the plan could receive final approvals by the end of the month.

Port Dickinson Mayor Kevin Burke said he views the move as "fairly likely."

Burke said a couple of changes have been made in the proposed contract that's being considered.

If the town of Dickinson approves the merger, Burke said the village board may act on the proposal during the last week of October.

Dickinson town supervisor Michael Marinaccio said the public works consolidation has been under discussion for over a year.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Marinaccio said Port Dickinson now has two public works employees. He said the town's department has six employees, along with a full-time commissioner and an assistant who specializes in infrastructure matters.

Marinaccio said if both the town and village boards authorize the move, the merger would take effect on January 1.

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